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Ay Carumba! Gamers everywhere released a collective sigh when Acclaim subsidary Flying Edge took reign of the Simpsons license. It was as though they knew what to expect. They were unfortunately proven right, as Bart vs. the Space Mutants proved to be a frustrating exercise in self punishment. The suffering eventually made its way to Sega Land, and Genesis gamers got to empathize with their NES-owning rivals for once.
Platforming and run-‘n-gun action usually mix like chocolate and peanut butter, but sometimes the mix isn’t as smooth as it should be. Instead of fusing together to create a great gaming experience, the two gameplay dynamics can occasionally clash, with the result being a game that seems full of missed potential. Is Electronic Arts’ B.O.B. the former or the latter?
Every so often, a game comes along that takes an established dynamic and turns it completely on its head, or it at least shakes it up a bit. Sega’s Battle Golfer Yui is one such title, and the way it mixes a game as tranquil as golf with evil organizations and world domination is something everyone must experience. While it may stutter here and there in execution, the premise alone makes it worth at least checking out.
One of my favorite shooters on the Genesis is Trouble Shooter. Vic Tokai’s wacky action tale of two girls out to rescue a prince is both engaging and well designed. It’s a bit on the easy side, but the charm of it all keeps you coming back for more. We have a full review of this little gem, and this is one game that should definitely be in your library.
Fighting games are a dime a dozen. Good fighting games, on the other hand, are about as common as a tap dancing bulldog. Fans of the genre must wade though a soup of crap to find those games worth playing, and some titles manage to sneak by due to a goofy gimmick or popular license. Accolade’s Ballz is one title that whose worth is still debated by gamers, with some applauding the great 3D feel and fresh direction, while others decry the questionable gameplay.